John Mulaney has come forward to stand by his wife, Olivia Munn, amidst a storm of controversy. Following Olivia's remark, during an interview, that she restricts their two children—3-year-old Malcolm and 8-month-old Méi—from watching the child-friendly content created by YouTuber Ms. Rachel (real name Rachel Griffin Accurso), the comedian found himself addressing unexpected and harsh criticism.
"A harmless observation from my wife Olivia Munn about our preferred children's programming," Mulaney posted on his Instagram Stories on June 11, "has inexplicably morphed into accusations of indifference towards the plight of children in Gaza." The 42-year-old revealed that Olivia, 44, had started receiving direct messages filled with "violent and threatening language" aimed at her and their children.
"These attackers have crossed every conceivable line and are doing nothing to foster constructive dialogue," he continued. "You twisted an innocuous statement into something sinister and perilous. This isn't activism; it's malevolence."
Just days prior, Olivia had elaborated on her household's absence of Ms. Rachel's content. "I understand kids adore [Ms. Rachel]," she told People in an interview published on June 8, "but if I can't bear to watch it myself, I refuse to let it drive me insane. Those children's shows push me over the edge." (The interview has since been taken down by the publication due to "violent threats escalating towards the interviewee and her family.")
Ms. Rachel, who has advocated for humanitarian aid for Gaza's children, responded to the headlines stemming from Olivia's remark on June 9 via an Instagram comment. "I'd much rather you focus on my advocacy for kids in Gaza," she wrote. The YouTuber clarified that her statement wasn't aimed at Olivia, asserting that she doesn't "care that she doesn't want to watch the show," and sent "all my love to her and her family."
In her own statement posted on Instagram Stories on June 10, Olivia expressed her astonishment at the ripple effect her comment had triggered. "My words were never intended to detract from the joy, comfort, and profound impact she brings to countless families," she wrote. "I never wanted a misinterpretation to rob anyone, even for a moment, of the happiness her content provides."
